Want to know how to become a medical writer and work from home? Here’s a guide on finding freelance medical writing jobs.
I recently had a great chat with Austin Ulrich about his journey into medical writing. Austin started his freelance medical writing business in 2019 while working as a pharmacist. Over three years, he built his side hustle into a full-time career, now earning about $200,000 annually. He also runs a blog, austinulrich.com, where he shares tips on creating financial freedom.
In our conversation, we covered topics like:
– What is medical writing?
– What does a freelance medical writer do?
– Who hires medical writers?
– How much can you earn?
– Do you need a medical degree?
This interview can help you get started in medical writing and explore new ways to make money from home.
### Background on Austin Ulrich
Five years ago, Austin never imagined he’d be a professional writer. He was finishing pharmacy school and planning a career as a pharmacist. However, life events led him to discover freelance medical writing in early 2019. After trying various online gigs, medical writing clicked for him. He leveraged his strong writing skills and set up a simple website, launching Ulrich Medical Writing, LLC in July 2019.
Finding clients and building a steady income was challenging, especially as the primary breadwinner for his family. It took several years, but by May 2022, he quit his pharmacist job to write full-time. Medical writing has not only boosted his income but also allowed him to spend more time with his family and pursue other entrepreneurial ventures.
### What is Medical Writing?
Medical writing involves creating scientific or medical documents that communicate information to healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, and the general public. This can include online medical information, journal articles, educational materials, and regulatory documents for pharmaceutical companies. Freelance medical writers offer these services on a contract basis, often stepping in when companies need extra help.
### Who Hires Medical Writers?
Many types of companies hire medical writers, including contract research organizations, medical education companies, government agencies, and more. Austin has worked with various clients, creating materials that often end up in peer-reviewed journals and professional association publications.
### Earnings and Work Hours
According to the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), employed medical writers earn a median annual income of $107,000, while freelancers can earn around $151,000. Austin’s first freelance project paid $4,000, and he now averages 30-35 hours of work per week. He prefers to charge by the project, which incentivizes efficiency and quality.
### Who Can Become a Medical Writer?
Technically, anyone can become a medical writer, but having a background in medicine or science can be a huge advantage. Many successful medical writers are doctors, pharmacists, nurses, or PhDs. Others come from communications or journalism backgrounds and learn the medical part through courses or certifications.
### Finding Your First Job
Getting the first job is the hardest. Emphasize any relevant skills or experience you have and create writing samples if needed. For freelancers, it might be tougher initially, but the earning potential can be higher. Networking and showcasing your skills are crucial.
### Demand for Medical Writers
The demand for medical writers is growing, especially with new drugs and research constantly emerging. Medical editors, who focus on grammar and style, also play a crucial role in the field.
### Tips for Aspiring Medical Writers
Check out resources from AMWA.org, consider certifications, and network with other writers. Medical writing is a growing field with great opportunities for those who enjoy writing and are interested in medical topics.
### Conclusion
Medical writing involves creating a variety of documents for different clients, and you don’t necessarily need a medical degree to start. With the right skills and dedication, you can earn between $75,000 to over $200,000 per year. If you’re interested in this field, start by learning more about medical writing and creating some sample work to showcase your abilities.